Athlete Leadership Program

• Serving on a local Games or organizing committee
• Serving as a spokesperson (Global Messenger) 
• Serving as a team / sport captain 
• Becoming a certified coach or official 
• Serving on SOAZ Board of Directors or LETR Council
• Serving as a Unified Sports Messenger

Athletes as Officials

Special Olympics Officials Program for Athletes (SOOPA) creates opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities to become sports officials. Special Olympics athletes are held to the same standards as any other official performing the same task. The athlete must complete the officials' certification curriculum as created by the sports National Governing Body and Special Olympics, Inc. Each sport may have separate and specific requirements.

Athletes as Coaches

Special Olympics athletes can become certified coaches and coach other Special Olympics athletes. Athletes may choose a sport they have participated in or are just interested in coaching.  As with all Special Olympics coaches, these athletes are encouraged to attend a Special Olympics, Inc. coach training school in the particular sport they would coach. Special Olympics athletes who are coaches may train athletes within their community or may assist athletes at higher levels of competition such as invitationals or state-level competitions.

Athlete Council

The Special Olympics Arizona Council is comprised of athletes from every area of the state who meet quarterly to give input to the president of Special Olympics Arizona on issues in the movement. 

Unified Sports^® Messenger Program

Athletes and partners are not just a team on the field!  In this program, they are paired together and receive leadership training to become public advocates for Unified Sports® and Special Olympics Arizona.  After the training, the pairs speak at schools, meet with sponsors and represent Unified Sports® at other Special Olympics events.  For more information please visit the Unified Sports® section of this website, or contact Isaac Sanft-Director of Support Programs - Isaac@SpecailOlympicsArizona.org 

Athletes as SOAZ Board of Directors or LETR Council members

Athletes may serve as Board members or LETR Council members for a term of one year.  Athletes are required to attend monthly meetings that last from 3-4 hours and give input when appropriate.  Special Olympics athletes must submit a letter of interest and a resume of Special Olympics experience and work / life experience to Lori Ramsey, Special Olympics Arizona Executive Assistant.

Bethany McDaniel

Programs Administrator

602.324.5670 - direct

Bethany@SpecialOlympicsArizona.org